Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on August 18, marking his first visit to Russia since taking office in April 2026 [1, 2]. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across economic, security, and social spheres, alongside discussions on regional and international issues [1, 3, 4, 2].
A high-level Myanmar delegation, including government ministers and the head of the Myanmar Space Agency, arrived in Moscow on August 17 ahead of the talks [1, 4]. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Moscow has begun implementing agreements related to the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar, a collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom corporation intended to develop nuclear technology applications in health, agriculture, and industry [2, 1]. Several agreements and documents were expected to be signed during the visit, including those advancing the nuclear project [1, 4, 2].
Putin described Russia-Myanmar relations as "established back in 1948 and developed steadily all this time, acquiring a particularly trusting character in recent years," and urged further economic cooperation, noting ongoing projects [2]. He thanked Min Aung Hlaing for Myanmar’s support of Russia’s relations with ASEAN and expressed interest in expanding ties in economics and security [2]. Putin also offered condolences for recent flooding in Myanmar that affected tens of thousands [2].
Min Aung Hlaing thanked Russia for its assistance after the 2025 earthquakes and called Myanmar "a reliable country for Russia in Southeast Asia" [2]. Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, Russia has become a key ally, supplying over $400 million worth of advanced weapons by May 2023 and maintaining close defense cooperation [1]. In February 2026, the two countries signed a five-year military cooperation agreement amid Myanmar’s ongoing insurgencies [3].
Min Aung Hlaing’s visit aims to secure broader economic support from Russia, including fertilizer, oil, and weapons, as Myanmar faces isolation internationally [3]. He has also made diplomatic visits recently to China, India, Laos, Thailand, and sought improved relations with the US and ASEAN [1, 3].
The talks follow prior meetings between the leaders, including during the World Atomic Week Forum in Moscow in September 2025, underscoring an ongoing effort to deepen bilateral ties [1, 4]. Officials expect several agreements to be finalized during this visit, continuing the expansion of Russia-Myanmar cooperation.
